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United States

Flying High: Bag Filled With 34 Pounds Of Ketamine From Amsterdam Seized At Dulles Airport Flying High: Bag Filled With 34 Pounds Of Ketamine From Amsterdam Seized At Dulles Airport
Flying High: Bag Filled With 34 Pounds Of Ketamine From Amsterdam Seized At Dulles Airport Nearly $1 million worth of ketamine never made it to the streets in the DMV after a package coming from Amsterdam into Dulles International Airport was intercepted, according to US Customs and Border Protection officials. Last month, nearly 34 pounds of ketamine hydrochloride arrived in an airline’s rushed baggage, but, officers at the airport made sure it did not go any further than that. CBP agriculture specialists initially detected anomalies when they x-rayed the suitcase on Aug. 8 when it arrived from the notoriously liberal nation, and officers were alerted. The anomalies c…
Dueling Winter Weather Predictions Released By Old, New Farmer's Almanacs Dueling Winter Weather Predictions Released By Old, New Farmer's Almanacs
Dueling Winter Weather Predictions Released By Old, New Farmer's Almanacs The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its winter weather predictions for the 2024-25 season. This year's title speaks for itself: "The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac Forecasts a 'Calmer, Gentler' Winter." The Old Farmer's Almanac touts 80 percent accuracy in its forecasts dating back to 1792. Last year, it predicted a winter wonderland. Parts of the forecast seem to contradict the predictions of the Farmer's Almanac, which predicts this winter will be a wet one with "above-normal amounts of winter precipitation and near-to above-normal temperatures" in the Northeast. Snow will be mos…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr., afraid of becoming a "spoiler," said he was suspending his independent presidential campaign and removing his name from the ballot in battleground states as he threw his support behind former President Donald Trump.  "I cannot in good conscience ask my staff to continue to work long hours or my donors to continue to give me their dollars if I believe I have no realistic path to the White House," the former Democrat said in a Friday, Aug. 23, press conference. He said he would remain on the ballot in states already assured to either Trump or Vice President Kamala …
Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention
Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Running Mate As Swing State Tour Starts Ahead Of Convention Vice President Kamala Harris has ended weeks of speculation after naming Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  The 60-year-old Walz was a seemingly late entrant to the "veepstakes" but gained popularity after several media appearances went viral.  The chair of the Democratic Governor's Association, Walz was a US Congressman from 2007 to 2019. A former high school social studies teacher, he's served 24 years in the Army National Guard. Harris said she chose Walz because of his dedication to working-class families.  One of the things that stood out …
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee President Joe Biden has just announced he is pulling out of the 2024 race against Republican nominee Donald Trump. In a letter to "My Fellow Americans" released just before 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, Biden said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” The news comes amid concerns over the 81-year-old Biden's health, which were loudly …
Former Trump Hater J.D. Vance Selected As Donald Trump's VP Candidate Former Trump Hater J.D. Vance Selected As Donald Trump's VP Candidate
Former Trump Hater J.D. Vance Selected As Donald Trump's VP Candidate Former President Donald Trump unveiled his vice presidential running mate late Monday afternoon, July 15.  US Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, age 39, was announced as the pick by Trump on Truth Social just ahead of his appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The post reads as follows: "After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio. J.D. honorably served our Country in the Ma…
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada The Costco Wholesale Corporation has announced membership hikes in the US and Canada for the first time in seven years, according to a news release by the company issued on Wednesday, July 10.  Costco opened the release sharing a June sales growth in the US of 5.6%, which is higher than the past 44 weeks of just 4.4%, the company experienced a decrease in revenue internationally.  On the heels of sharing that news, the company made the announcement about raising the membership fees in both the US and Canada beginning Sept. 1.  Annual memberships are rising $5 making them $65…
FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine
FBI Investigators In Maryland Offer $10M Reward For Info On Russian Hacker Targeting Ukraine A massive reward has been offered by federal authorities in Maryland as they attempt to track down a man wanted for cyberattacks targeting Ukraine.  On Wednesday, June 26, a $10 million reward was offered by the FBI, which is looking to arrest 22-year-old Amin Timovich Stigal, who is among the agency's most wanted.  According to the feds, Stigal is wanted for his alleged involvement in criminal cyber activities between August of 2021 and February of 2022, during which he conspired to commit computer intrusions targeting Ukrainian critical infrastructure. “Amin Timo…
Red Lobster Suddenly Closes Dozens Of Locations Nationwide: Here's Where Red Lobster Suddenly Closes Dozens Of Locations Nationwide: Here's Where
Red Lobster Suddenly Closes Dozens Of Locations Nationwide: Here's Where Red Lobster has abruptly closed dozens of locations across the United States. According to a Bloomberg, the fast-casual seafood restaurant has considered filing for bankruptcy. The following locations are listed as being temporarily closed on the Red Lobster website, with some set to be auctioned off. MD: Columbia, Laurel, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg NJ: Ledgewood, Lawrenceville, East Brunswick, Bridgewater PA: Erie VA: Newport News, Williamsburg, Colonial Heights TAGeX Brand, which bills itself as the world's largest after-marketplac…
Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years
Rare Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued For First Time In Nearly 20 Years You may soon get a view of a rare spectacle. According to the NOAA National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center, a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) began on Wednesday, May 8. CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. Space weather forecasters have issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for the evening of Friday, May 10. It's the first time a G4 Watch has been issued since January 2005. The watch says CMEs may linger into Sunday, May 12. Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of aurora (…
Shell To Close 1,000 Gas Stations: Here's Why, Company Says Shell To Close 1,000 Gas Stations: Here's Why, Company Says
Shell To Close 1,000 Gas Stations: Here's Why, Company Says One of the nation's major oil companies says it will close 1,000 gas stations. Shell made the announcement in its 2024 Energy Transition Strategy report, saying the measure is “in response to customer needs” and aimed at reallocating those resources towards EV charging stations. Shell said it will close 500 stations in 2024 and the other 500 in 2025. "We believe growth in oil demand is set to slow in the second half of this decade and could start falling in the 2030s because of increasing vehicle efficiency and growth in electric vehicles," the company stated in the report. "Toda…
'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon 'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon
'Most Visible Eclipse For US In 100 Years' Coming Soon In just over a month, what's being called the astronomy event of the decade will occur when a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Many are planning road trips to places where the best viewing conditions are expected for what Space.com says will be "the longest and most visible for the US in 100 years," with a four-minute duration expected beginning…
Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products
Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products Federal Health officials are cautioning consumers to avoid certain products that may contain an ingredient known as "gas station heroin."  Neptune Resources LLC announced a voluntary recall of all lots of "Neptune's Fix Elixir," "Neptune's Fix Extra Strength Elixir," and Neptune's Fix Tablets due to the possible presence of tianeptine, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Tianeptine, which has been called "gas station heroin" by some, is not FDA-approved for any medical use, and its presence in the products prompted the nationwide recall. "The presence of tianepti…
'International Fugitive' From MD Sentenced After Four Years On The Lam For Bail Violations 'International Fugitive' From MD Sentenced After Four Years On The Lam For Bail Violations
'International Fugitive' From MD Sentenced After Four Years On The Lam For Bail Violations Authorities say that a Maryland man who spent more than four years as an international fugitive attempting to avoid prosecution for stalking a younger co-worker will spend time behind bars. Ranjith Keerikkattil, 35, formerly of Catonsville, left the United States after being found guilty of stalking a junior co-worker before he was re-arrested four years later, authorities announced. On Wednesday, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after being convicted and then failing to appear in court, according to the DOJ. Prosecutors said that Keeri…
BlandJet Recalling 4.8M Portable Blenders Nationwide For Fire, Laceration Hazards BlandJet Recalling 4.8M Portable Blenders Nationwide For Fire, Laceration Hazards
BlandJet Recalling 4.8M Portable Blenders Nationwide For Fire, Laceration Hazards Nearly five million portable blenders sold nationwide are being recalled due to fire and laceration risks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that a total of around 4.8 million BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders that can overheat or catch fire. If the blender were to get too hot, the blender blades can break off, creating the hazard. The recall includes blenders sold in a variety of colors and designs, federal authorities noted Recalled items have the serial numbers printed on the bottom of the base along with “blendjet2” and “The Original Portable Blender.”  The…
Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC
Surge In Covid-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm, warning that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) could strain healthcare systems across the nation in the weeks ahead. Hospitalizations among all age groups in the last month increased by 200 percent for influenza, 51 percent for COVID, and 60 percent for RSV, the CDC said. Meanwhile, coverage for the seasonal 2023-2024 flu shot is low in all age groups compared with the same period of the 2022–2023 season. Just 17 percent of adults had received the updated COVID vac…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Sold At Stores Due To Listeria Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Sold At Stores Due To Listeria Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Sold At Stores Due To Listeria Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a brand of peaches, plums, and nectarines because of a possible health risk. The HMC Group Marketing, Inc., which does business as HMC Farms, issued the recall for the products sold in retail stores between Wednesday, May 1, and Wednesday, November 15, 2023, and the same date range in 2022, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. The view product label photos, visit the FDA link here. The fruit is being recalled because it can potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometime…
State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel
State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel Senior US State Department official Josh Paul has stepped down from his position amid President Joe Biden's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict overseas, he says. After more than 11 years with the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), Paul announced his resignation in an open letter on LinkedIn, citing a promise the Maryland native made to himself that conflicts with the current regime's handling of the ongoing war.   Paul said that he is leaving his position because "in our current course with regards to the continued - indeed, expanded and expedited - provision of lethal …
Winter 2023-24 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service Winter 2023-24 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service
Winter 2023-24 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service has just released its outlook for the winter of 2023-24.El Niño is in place heading into winter for the first time in four years, driving the outlook for warmer-than-average temperatures for the northern tier of the continental United States, according to NOAA’s US. Winter Outlook, which was released on Thursday, Oct. 19 by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service.  At the same time, the forecast says much of the Northeast has a 40 to 50 percent chance of above-normal…
'Get Your Snow Shovels Ready': AccuWeather Releases Winter Outlook 'Get Your Snow Shovels Ready': AccuWeather Releases Winter Outlook
'Get Your Snow Shovels Ready': AccuWeather Releases Winter Outlook Forecasters for AccuWeather have released their projections for the winter of 2023-24. Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok and his team are saying it's shaping up to be much different than last winter, especially across the central and eastern United States, and one month may leave the biggest impression. "February can be an active and intense month," Pastelok said. One of the driving forces this winter will be the strengthening El Niño, which will play a significant role in the weather across the United States throughout the entire winter season.  Earlier report - 'Super'…
New Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane Threatens East Coast New Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane Threatens East Coast
New Tropical System Expected To Become Major Hurricane Threatens East Coast A new tropical system has developed and is expected to become a major hurricane threatening the East Coast by this weekend. Tropical Depression 13, now in the Central Atlantic is headed on a northwestern path, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm is expected to create "stronger surf and rip currents" along the Eastern Seaboard, from Florida to Maine, AccuWeather said. Depending on the path it takes, the expected time frame for potential impacts to the United States and Atlantic Canada is from Wednesday, Sept. 13 through Saturday, Sept. 16, possibly as a Category 4 hurricane, …
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Pose Growing Threat Nationwide, CDC Warns Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Pose Growing Threat Nationwide, CDC Warns
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Pose Growing Threat Nationwide, CDC Warns A new nationwide health advisory has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as cases of potentially fatal flesh-eating bacteria continue to climb. Vibrio vulnificus infections have killed at least 13 people on the Eastern Seaboard this year and cause an estimated 80,000 illnesses annually in the United States. Most people get infected with Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, the CDC said in the advisory which was issued on Friday, Sept. 1. Vibrio naturally live in coastal waters, including salt water and brackish water, w…
These Eye Drop Products Could Cause Serious Health Risks, FDA Warns These Eye Drop Products Could Cause Serious Health Risks, FDA Warns
These Eye Drop Products Could Cause Serious Health Risks, FDA Warns Consumers are being warned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately stop using two eye drop products because of potential bacterial or fungal contamination that could cause serious health risks. The advisory covers products distributed by LightEyez Limited, including Dr. Berne's MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops – Eye Repair. "Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection," the FDA said. The Dr. Berne’s and LightEyez eye drop products also con…
COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed
Covid-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed The first case of the newly identified COVID-19 variant with 30 mutations has been identified in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded BA.2.86 to a “variant under monitoring," citing the "large number of mutations it carries." BA.2.86, which has now been nicknamed "Pirola," was first detected in Israel, and cases have also been identified in the United Kingdom and Denmark. The initial case in the US has been detected in Michigan. The patient, an older person with mild symptoms, is from Washtenaw County, the Michigan Department of Health and Hu…
Maryland Reports First Malaria Case Not Tied To Travel In Decades Maryland Reports First Malaria Case Not Tied To Travel In Decades
Maryland Reports First Malaria Case Not Tied To Travel In Decades The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed a positive case of locally acquired malaria in a resident who lives in the National Capital Region. On Friday, Aug. 18, officials confirmed that a person has been hospitalized and is in recovery - while stressing that they did not recently travel outside of the US or other states where malaria is more prevalent.  Health officials did not specify the exact location of the malaria case. Thousands of cases of malaria are reported annually in the country, though typically cases occur from people returning stateside from international travel.…
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Travelers in the DMV region looking to get out of town for the long Memorial Day Weekend may want to hit the road as AAA anticipates near record-high travelers for the holiday. With the COVID-19 pandemic truly i the rearview mirror, AAA is projecting that 42.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home, representing a possible 7 percent increase over 2022, marking the beginning of the busy summer travel season. In the region, those looking to get away for the weekend are being advised to leave before noon on Friday, May 26, if they hope to avoid gridlocks and headaches …
JUUL Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic JUUL Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic
Juul Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic JUUL Labs, Inc. has been ordered to pay $15.2 million to the District of Columbia after a massive settlement across several states. The settlement is the largest litigated settlement that the DC Office of the Attorney General has secured under the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, officials said. JUUL Labs, Inc. is the maker of the popular nicotine vape JUUL, which quickly rose in popularity amongst young adults and teenagers over the last ten years, initially available in fruity and mint flavors that were later banned due to highly-addictive qualities. At least 50 percent of the settlem…
Bacteria Strain Linked To Eyedrops That Killed, Led To Eyeball Removal: CDC Bacteria Strain Linked To Eyedrops That Killed, Led To Eyeball Removal: CDC
Bacteria Strain Linked To Eyedrops That Killed, Led To Eyeball Removal: CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is teaming with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an infection linked to select eye drops that have led to multiple deaths and forced others to remove their eyes through surgery. Consumers are being advised to stop using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products as they continue to investigate a multi-state outbreak of “an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” According to the CDC, infections usually occur in people in the hospital or with weakened immune systems. It is partic…
Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire
Recall Issued For 64,300 Vacuum Cleaners That Could Overheat, Catch On Fire A recall has been issued for more than 64,000 vacuum cleaners because they could overheat and catch on fire. Bissell announced it is recalling cordless multi-surface wet dry vacuum models 2551, 2551W, and 25519 because the circuit board inside the vacuum’s battery pack can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard. A total of 61,000 of the 64,300 vacuum cleaners being recalled were sold in the United States, and the rest in Canada. Contact Bissell toll-free at 855-417-7001 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, or online at www.bissell.com…
BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide
BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide After a massive winter storm crossed the country, thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled, leaving holiday travelers stranded across the nation, including in the DMV area, according to multiple reports.  Southwest Airlines leads the airlines in the most canceled or delayed flights, with over 3,600 flights in and out of the United States, with an additional 6,120 flights delayed, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.  Southwest canceled the majority of scheduled flights Monday, Dec. 26, which was significantly more than any other airline, FlightAware dat…
Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire
Ford Recalling 634K SUVs For Faulty Fuel Line That Could Cause Fire Ford is recalling hundreds of thousands of SUVs that could potentially have a faulty fuel injector that could lead to fuel spills or potentially leak vapors onto hot engines, posing a fire hazard. The motor company announced a recall of nearly 650,000 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs that were produced between 2020 and 2023 with 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engines, according to officials. Of the 650,000 vehicles subject to the recall worldwide, approximately 520,000 were reportedly sold in the US. According to officials, Ford is not advising consumers to stop driving the vehicles, and the …